Tonality controller for electronic organ



Dec. 8, 1964 NOBUMITSU HOSHINOMIYA 3,160,845

TONALITY CONTROLLER FOR ELECTRONIC ORGAN 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

Filed Feb. 25, 1962 Dec. 8, 196 NOBUMITSU HOSHINOMIYA 3,160,345

TONALITY CONTROLLER FOR ELECTRONIC ORGAN Filed Feb. 25, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F/fii 5. 24 2b 19 1.4/

United States Patent 3,160,845 TONALITY CONTROLLER FOR ELECTRONIC ORGAN Nohumitsu Hoshinomiya, Hamarnatsu, Japan, assignor to Nippon Gakki Seizo Kabushilai Kaisha, Shizuoira, Japan, a corporation of Japan Filed Feb. 23, 1962, Ser. No. 176,176 Claims priority, application Eapan, Jan. 30, 1959, 34/ 4,132 7 Claims. (Cl. 33869) This application is a continuation-in-part of applicants identically entitled and now abandoned application S.N. 844,900, filed October 7, 1959; and this invention relates to a variable resistance and more particularly to a tonality controller for use in an electronic organ, for the purpose of controlling the levels of audio tone signals produced from customarily designed electric circuits consisting of oscillators and tone color filters.

In order to enrich the musical tone it is preferable that a tonality controller for an electronic brgan combine following functions.

On the one hand, the controller should be adapted for adjusting the levels of audio tone signals at any value between zero and a certain maximum, that is, through a continuously changing level of audio tone signals. By individually adjusting each of signals having various tone colors by means of such a tonality controller, each level of audio tone signals can be changed at will, so that it becomes possible to vary the musical effect by changing the sound intensity of the various tone colors at will. Accordingly when producing several tone colors simultaneously, selected loudness of each tone color can be combined. Further by changing the loudness of each tone color, it becomes also possible to initially maintain a particular tone color loud and the tone colors soft, and then to gradually increase the intensity of the latter while reducing the initially loud tones, so that it becomes possible to achieve realistic musical effects to duplicate a concert effect of high quality.

On the other hand the tone controller should be easily manipulated. It should be positioned where it is easily accessible. It should be moved lightly and smoothly, and not produce any sound of manipulation which interferes with the musical performance and further a plurality of controllers should be adapted for being manipulated by one hand. By the improvement thus achieved in manipulation, an electronic organ provided with this controller can perform high precision of control of tone color during performance, which is an indispensable function for a musical instrument which is to produce a musical ex ression of high level. Further the property of rapid manipulation also permits the instant change of audio tone signal from one level to other level, so that any tone color at will may be produced or extinguished.

Further this controller should be disposed such that the performer can see at a glance which tone color is mixed and in what ratio of intensity they are mixed, and their place of disposition to be selected. In this way the performer can also be visually aware of rat-io of mixture of sound during performance and so thereby to the ratio of signal level without being influenced by the acoustical features of the room.

Further in order to make it possible for the performer to approximately determine by feel the position of the controller the range of operation of the controller is divided to provide a click action between settings. in this way it becomes possible to manipulate the controller without relying upon a visual indication.

As further requirements are the simplicity of structure, easy assembly, low cost, compactness, easy wiring, no idle space produced when assembled in the body of electronic 3,160,845 Patented Dec. 8, 1964 ice organ, and easy upkeep by protecting the inner resistance elements from dust.

The tonality controllers for conventionally well known electromechanical organs or electronic organs are divided into four systems according to appearance. Two of them, are used in pipe organs, and are called stop keys. One is called a tilting tablet type, and the other is called a lever type.

These stop keys merely select whether a tone color is produced or not. Accordingly in these systems it is not possible to mix various tone colors in desired ratios respectively.

The third system is the draw bar type which serves as tone color controller for Hammond Organ (US. Patent No. 2,583,566). Since this system can change signal level in several steps by pulling the draw bar forward, various ratios of color tone are obtained. However since the signal level is arranged to change in steps, it cannot be adjusted by the performer in the ratio as desired. Furthermore, in order to manipulate the draw bar the finger must move in a different direction of movement from that which operates the keyboard. Its performance effect therefore is poor. Furthermore, the loudness of the manipulation itself is likely to mar the performance.

The fourth system is seen in the Thomas Chord Organ (US. Patent No. 2,962,922) which is of the type in which a rotatable knob is provided on a shaft which is approximately vertically positioned. Thus the rotation of the knob is transmitted to well known vaniable resistance so as to change continuously signal level. Accordingly by use of tone color controller of this type, various tone colors can be mixed in ratio as desired by the performer. However when one desires to manipulate it during performance, the movement of rotation caused by the knob requires the use of two fingers and is inconsistent with the pushing motion used on the keys of the keyboard. Thus the rapid manipulation cannot be obtained. Further it is neither possible for the performer to carry out simultaneously a plurality of manipulations, to visually perceive during performance at a glance in what ratio various tone colors are mixed nor to know by the feel the present state of the control related to the variable resistance. Consequently the performance effect which can be obtained by the manipulation during performance is greatly restricted.

It is an object of the .present invention to remove the above shortcomings of known tone color controllers and combine the desired requirements of the tone color controller so that hitherto unobtainable results are obtained.

Accordingly in the present invention while the tone color controller for an electronic organ is improved as regards manipulation, at the same time the structure is such as to achieve this resultefiiciently merely by the assembling of simple parts.

A further object of the invention is to provide a variable resistance which is of simple construction and can be simply assembled, and has the properties of being light in weight, smooth operating, simple and rapid to manipulate and which can be operated without changing the direction of movement of the finger which strikes the keyboard, in order to facilitate manipulation during performance.

A still further object is to provide a variable resistance having a form which can be disposed so that the mixture of various tone colors can be perceived merely at a glance of the control panel so as to facilitate the manipulation during performance.

A still further object is to provide a variable resistance having a mechanism wherein in order to facilitate the manipulation during performance, even when the performers line of sight is directed away from the tone color controller as for instance to the keyboard or music notes,

oneness 3 the ratio of resistance change can be roughly felt through the reaction transmitted to the hand during manipulation.

A still further object is to provide a variable resistance of a form which can be mounted by a simple operation in a minimum space on a controller board which is properly positioned for performance.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of electronic organ showing the tone color controller of the invention assembled in the organ;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentarily enlarged perspective view of the control panel of the organ with the tone color controller;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view through the control panel showing the attachment of the tone color controller to the control panel;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3 with the cover removed;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5--5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of rotating arm fixed sliding member;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 77 of FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIGURE 5.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGURE 1, behind manual keyboard 0 is a tilted control panel 1. The angle of tilt is so predetermined as to have surface of the control panel 1 directed perpendicular to the performers line of sight. The performer can transfer his line of sight from the manual keyboard directly onto control panel in a glance.

Further since the control panel 1 is positioned directly behind the manual keyboard (I, the performer can instantly move his finger from the manual keyboard to the control panel during a. performance to manipulate the levers 2 of the control panel rapidly.

In FIGURE 2, it is seen that manipulating lever 2 of tone color control, projects through the open slit 3 provided in control panel I. At the tip of projecting manipulating lever 2- is provided a knob 4 (FIG. 1). Knob 4 is movable within a certain range as a lever moves through slit 3. Knob 4a is positioned at the upper limit of the range of movement, knob ib is positioned at the center and, knob 4c is positioned at the lower limit. Since knob moves up and down, its direction of movement coincides with that of movement of performers finger, striking manual keyboard ti. Accordingly, the performer can in natural manner instantly move his finger from the keyboard to knob 4 to manipulate it. Further since knob 4 can be simply manipulated by pushing down or up with one finger of one hand, one knob can be manipulated with one finger, while several knobs can also be manipulated simultaneously with the other fingers of the same hand.

Furthermore the movement of knob 4 causes movement of sliding member which moves on a resistance element such as a carbon film by a mechanism to be described more fully hereinafter so that the resistance value from one end of the resistance element to the sliding member is determined by the position of knob 4. As well known, levels of audio tone signals can be controlled by this resistance value. Thus by observing the relative position of the knob, one can visually determine the intensity of each tone color.

Referring to FIGURE 2, it can be seen that when knob 4 is positioned at its upper limit, the resistance value from one end of the resistance to the sliding member is so maintained to make the level of the audio signal zero. The knob is so arranged such that in lower positions of the knob, the resistance value continuously decreases in companion with the increase of level of audible tone signals.

The mixing ratios of three tone colors designated as Brass, Reed and String in FIG. 2 respectively are known as follows, providing that the ratio of the change of resistance in response to movement of knob is proper. The sound intensity of the Brass is zero, the String intensity is maximum, and the Reed intensity is intermediate the maximum and minimum therefor. In cases, as shown in FIGURE 2, wherein several knobs are provided in a horizontal line on control panel 1, the relative unevenness of the knob position can be easily determined merely at a glance. Accordingly the performer can visually establish an approximate mixing ratio of tone colors merely at a glance of the control panel during the performance.

FIGURE 3 shows a method of attaching tone color controller including variable resistance 5 in accordance with this invention to control panel 1. On the back side of control panel is provided groove 6. A clip 7 made of elastic material is preliminarily provided on back of control panel with screw it. A groove 9 in control panel 1 serves to easily position the clip 7 with one end inserted in said groove. Variable resistance 5 with projecting portion Iii inserted under clip 7 is fixed with screw 13 through hole 12 provided in another projecting portion ill.

As shown in FIGURE 4, clip 7 raised by projecting portion Ill is elastically deformed and at the same time elastically supports projecting portion ill. Then variable resistance 5 is exactly positioned by setting projecting portion id in groove 6. Thus it is possible to position in place a simple mechanism by a simple operation.

When self-tapping screw 15 shown in FIGURE 3 is removed, cover 16 is opened and the interior of the tone color controller is exposed showing the variable resistance as seen in FIGURE 4. Manipulating lever 2 is integrated with hearing portion l7 and rotating arm 18. Into case 19 formed of electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin there is inserted shaft 29 with which bearing portion 17 is engaged. Wall surface 21 of the case 19 is circularly curved around the shaft 26 as a center. Inside along the circumferential curved face is provided a stepped portion in the notched portion of which is provided a film resistance such as carbon film resistance material or the like 22 while at the end of rotating arm 18 is fixed slider 24 secured to element 23. Said carbon film resistance 22 is electrically connected with terminals 27, 28 through the medium clips 25, 2-5. Slider is electrically connected with terminal 31. through the medium of metal clip 23, lead wire 29 and clip 3i). To the pivotably supported arm 13 is secured a rubber ring 32. of proper hardness which comes into contact with projecting portions 33, 34 provided in case 19 at the limit positions of the lever 2. Hole 35 is provided for accommodating self-tapping screw 15 for fitting cover In in place. When manipulating lever 2 is moved from the upper limit to the lower limit, rotating arm 18 rotates with shaft 24) as the center, so that slider 24 fixed at the end of the rotating arm slides on carbon film resistance from the lower limit to the upper limit. Accordingly the electrical resistance between terminals 27, Bill can be changed continuously from a maximum to a minimum. In addition since in the upper and lower limit positions the projecting portions 35, provided in case I) contact rubber ring 32, there is not produced a mechanical sound to interfere with the performance even for rapid manipulation of knob 4. The wall surface 21 of case 19 is provided with steps 36, 3'7 and the length between 325 and 37, is arranged to be equal to the length of carbon film resistance 22 to be inserted. Thus merely by inserting carbon film resistance 22 it can be compressed against wall surface 21.

Furthermore said resistance can be easily replaced. In order to increase the flexibility the lead wire, thin Wire Wound in a coil is used and in order to increase the elasticity of insulating tube 38, an insulating fibrous fabric is employed. The carbon film resistance 22 is 55 elastically compressed by metal clip 26 which is riveted to term nal 28 by rivet 39, and by clip 2:? similarly secured to terminal Lead wire is soldered to slider element 23 and clip 3t).

Now with reference to FIGURE 5, the method for securing knob 4 to manipulating lever 2 will be explained. Metal manipulating lever 23 is formed at the end in the shape as shown in the drawing. When it is pushed into hole 41 provided in knob 4 made of synthetic resin, the non linear portion at the end of knob is elastically deformed in accordance with the hole in knob and thereby made straight. Thus the projecting portion 4d of manipulating lever 2 is compressed against wall surface of hole 4 1 of knob. Thus the edge 52 of the manipulating lever tends to be thrust against the wall surface of hole Thus the lever can be secured by means of a simple mechanism in a simple operation.

FIGURE 6 shows perspective rotating arm 18 from which rubber ring 32 is removed to make clear how slider 24 is fixed to rotating arm 18.

in order to insulate parts of the slider which are made of metal, slider 2.4 is fixed to insulating film 43 prepared of heat-contractive vinyl tube and metal shell 23 is fixed in a manner as shown in FIGURE 7. FIG- URE 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIGURE 6. By so arranging the notched portion 44- of rotating arm 18 to engage tightly with holding arm of shell 23 the fitting position of the slider is automatically established which makes the securing operation ellicient.

Furthermore slider 24 is preliminarily riveted to element 23. As shown in FlGURE 5, plate spring 47, riveted to rotating arm 13 has at the end a spherical projection 43 which is urged against the bottom wall surface 49 of case 19. Plate spacer formed as a spherical surface and spring washer 51 formed in an are are assembled as shown in the drawing in the recessed seat 52 and the cover 16 is tightly secured to case 19 by means of self tapping screw 15. Thus the chattering of bearing 17 in the thrust direction is absorbed so as to achieve smooth and quiet operation of manipulation lever and at the same time serve to urge the projecting portion 48 of plate spring 47 securely against bottom wall surface 49 of case 19. The projecting portion 48 moves a circumferential are around shaft 20 upon rotation of the rotating arm 13 so that the locus of the contact point on bottom wall surface 49 is a circumferential curve. FlGURE 8 is a developed sectional view taken along curved surface 8-3. As shown herein, there are several equally divided recesses between the end recesses. These recesses we in the form of V-shaped grooves 53. Thus when projecting spherical surface 48 reaches an end of groove 53 the surface 48 tends to seek the center of groove 53. Once it reaches the center position of groove 53, the surface as tends to stay there. Such action is called a click action. With such a builtin device, when the manipulating lever is manipulated, the operator can feel a resistance to displacement at the upper limit, the lower limit and the intermediate locations. Accordingly by the feel of the hand the position of the slider can be roughly determined. In addition by applying proper lubricating material on the locus path of projecting spherical surface 43, sliding can be smoothly performed.

I claim:

1. A variable resistance for a tone color controller for an electronic organ comprising a casing of electrically insulating material having an upper aperture, a transverse shaft supported in said casing, said casing including a side wall facing said shaft and circumferentially curved with the shaft as a center, said side wall having a circumferentially curved face provided with a stepped portion, a thin electrical resistance element pressed against the side wall and held in said stepped portion, clips secured to said side wall and securing the resistance element in place, terminals connected to said clips and projecting beyond said side wall of said casing so that the resistance element is electrically connected with the terminals; an arm supported on said shaft for rotation and including a manipulating lever, means securing a slider to the arm for movement therewith while the slider is in contact with the electrical resistance element, a further terminal secured to the casing, an insulated elastic lead wire electrically connecting said slider with the further terminal and a cover on the casing over the upper aperture.

2. A resistance as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means securing the slider to the arm comprises a holder arm, the first said arm including a portion having a notch, and an insulative film covering said first arm in the region of said notch, said holder arm being secured to the said first arm in the notch thereof and means securing the slider to the holder arm.

3. A resistance as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a rubber ring secured to said first arm and movable therewith as said arm undergoes rotation about said shaft, said casing including projecting portions located in the path of said ring and defining limit positions for the movement of said first arm.

4. A resistance as claimed in claim 3 wherein said projecting portions are provided with openings and are adapted for accommodating fasteners to permit assembly and disassembly of detachable side panels of said casin 5. A resistance as claimed in claim 1 comprising a leaf spring connected to said arm and movable therewith as said arm undergoes rotation about said shaft, said leaf spring being elastically urged against the casing and defining a circumferential path of travel against the casing, said casing being provided with recesses for accommodating the leaf spring along the path therof to define set positions for the leaf spring and thereby for the arm and manipulative lever.

6. A resistance as claimed in claim 5 wherein said recesses are V shaped grooves, said leaf spring including an end portion of spherical shape.

7. A resistance as claimed in claim 1 wherein said arm is provided with a recess, the resistance further comprising a plate spacer having a spherical surface in contact with a side panel of the casing, and a spring washer supported in said recess and acting on said plate spacer, said shaft being in contact with the spring washer.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,522,911 1/25 Robinson.

2,326,903 8/ 43 Tinnerman 2483 61 2,333,477 11/43 Duston 338-470 X 2,511,923 6/50 Larson 338153 2,513,109 6/50 Roth 841.18 2,627,385 2/53 Tinnerman 24827 2,812,408 11/57 Williford 338169 2,846,916 8/58 Osborne et a1. 84341 2,988,721 6/61 Louis 338--162 RICHARD M. WOOD, Primary Examiner. 

1. A VARIABLE RESISTANCE FOR A TONE COLOR CONTROLLER FOR AN ELECTRONIC ORGAN COMPRISING A CASING OF ELECTRICALLY INSULATING MATERIAL HAVING AN UPPER APERTURE, A TRANSVERSE SHAFT SUPPORTED IN SAID CASING, SAID CASING INCLUDING A SIDE WALL FACING SAID SHAFT AND CIRCUMFERENTIALLY CURVED WITH THE SHAFT AS A CENTER, SAID SIDE WALL HAVING A CIRCUMFERENTIALLY CURVED FACE PROVIDED WITH A STEPPED PORTION, A THIN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE ELEMENT PRESSED AGAINST THE SIDE WALL AND HELD IN SAID STEPPED PORTION, CLIPS SECURED TO SAID SIDE WALL AND SECURING THE RESISTANCE ELEMENT IN PLACE, TERMINALS CONNECTED TO SAID CLIPS AND PROJECTING BEYOND SAID SIDE WALL OF SAID CASING SO THAT THE RESISTANCE ELEMENT IS ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED WITH THE TERMINALS; AN ARM SUPPORTED ON SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION AND INCLUDING A MANIPULATING LEVER, MEANS SECURING A SLIDER TO THE ARM FOR MOVEMENT THEREWITH WHILE THE SLIDER IS IN CONTACT WITH THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE ELEMENT, A FURTHER TERMINAL SECURED TO THE CASING, AN INSULATED ELASTIC LEAD WIRE ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING SAID SLIDER WITH THE FURTHER TERMINAL AND A COVER ON THE CASING OVER THE UPPER APERTURE. 